How fashion is being presented today? A retrospective research into the history of the fashion shows in order to observe and examine the metamorphosis of the runway presentations of the present time. Fashion designers from the Swedish School of Textiles have participated in the thesis' interview as to express their point of view and elaborate on the issue.

The current study investigated role model selection and racial identity for 104 African American male college students attending historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs)and predominantly White institutions (PWIs). Participants completed a demographic questionnaire, a role model measure, and a racial identity measure. Data were analyzed both quantitatively and qualitatively and findings revealed that 82% of participants identified role models with 92% identifying racially-similar role models. Qualitative analysis using open and axial coding methods yielded 11 themes that allowed for a closer look into the characteristics African American male college students identified as important in role models: Personality Attributes, Community, Success, Spirituality, Providing Inspiration or Challenge, Mentorship, Education, Family, Emotional Support, Shared Career Interest, and Proximity. A discussion of the results with research and applied implications are included. / Department of Counseling Psychology and Guidance Services

The Bergslagen region in Sweden has a history of iron and steel production, and in the small industrial towns in the region, one large employer has often held a strong position. Although the region has gone through structural change since the 1970’s, in previous research, becoming self-employed is perceived of as difficult, since it implies going against a strong working culture. The image of Bergslagen is that of a non-entrepreneurial region. Furthermore, in previous research, the gender contract in the region is characterized as traditional. In this thesis light is shed on women in the region who are self-employed. Topics that are focused on are work experience, role models, family situation and networks. The study builds on qualitative interviews and longitudinal registry based statistics (1993-2003). The interviews were carried out in the municipalities of Norberg and Fagersta with self-employed women in the fields of health and business services. Conclusions drawn concern both the region Bergslagen as an entrepreneurial region and the lives of self-employed women. The situations and conditions under which women become and remain self-employed displays a complex interaction between different areas of life, both in relation to the start-up phase and the subsequent running of their businesses. The idea of the region as non-entrepreneurial is scrutinized. For one, the share of self-employed in the Bergslagen municipalities only differs among men, compared to the national average. The share of self-employed women in the region, however, is similar to the national average. Furthermore, the share of self-employed men and women varies among the municipalities within the region. Thus, it is problematic to speak of the region as non-entrepreneurial and as homogenous when it comes to self-employment and entrepreneurship. These findings indicate that the idea of the region as non-entrepreneurial is an expression of both the region being male coded and women entrepreneurs being subordinated.

The goal of the study was to explore the effect of role models on the self efficacy of the child in the middle childhood years. The focus of the study was on the middle childhood or school years, a critical developmental stage with a proliferation of socialization agents – role models. The researcher was interested in the effect that observational learning (modelling) had on the socialization of the child and more specifically on his/her developing self efficacy beliefs. The researcher identified the lack of relevant literature pertaining to children and relating to the South African context. The rapidly changing global environment and pervasive media exposure of modern living begged investigation regarding the effects on the child. A qualitative approach was used in the study in gaining subjective, experiential rich data from the child’s perspective. A phenomenological research strategy was used as the researcher sought the meaning that the children attach to role models in their lived experience. Applied research characterized the research study. The researcher hoped to enhance the existing available data by adding insight in understanding the child’s subjective experiences, insight that would be of assistance to teachers, parents and helping professionals. - Unstructured one-on-one interviews were chosen as the method of data collection. Eight respondents, four boys and four girls, were selected through purposive, non-probability sampling method with the aim at eliciting relevant and rich data. The theory of social learning proposed by Bandura (1963, 1986) formed the basis of the study. This theory underscores observational learning – both direct tuition and vicarious reinforcement – as the powerful vehicle of socialization of a child. Thus, role models are agents of observational learning; modelling attitudes, values, norms, beliefs and behaviours for ensuing emulation. Self efficacy beliefs are a self evaluation of the individual’s capabilities. These beliefs fuel action since an individual will act and achieve success in accordance with this evaluation. The findings of the study highlighted the effect of significant relationships, role models, on the efficacy beliefs of the child. Peer feedback, acknowledgment and vicarious reinforcement provided by peer relationships was seen as influential in colouring the efficacy beliefs of the respondents. Teacher efficacy was seen as an important factor influencing future learning and the child’s academic success. A relationship that was seen to hold great significance was the parent-child relationship. Parent reaction to the child’s achievement – their praise, motivation and validation – was a crucial factor impacting the efficacy beliefs of the child. The researcher found a general lack of awareness of media influences. Role models are selected, observed, evaluated and integrated by the child as an active member of his/her social world. In conclusion, role models were seen as key figures in the developing efficacy beliefs of the child. Self efficacy beliefs govern the achievement and success of the child. These beliefs are a learned self evaluation. The study highlighted that not all role models have the same significance for the child, hold the same influence. Moreover, observational learning is both direct and indirect, including negative and positive models. / Dissertation (MSD (Play Therapy))--University of Pretoria, 2008. / Social Work and Criminology / unrestricted

Syftet med studien är att utifrån ett jämställdhetsperspektiv synliggöra två manliga förskollärares uppfattningar om könets betydelse för förskollärarprofessionen. Följande frågeställningar besvaras: Hur beskrivs de föreställningar som finns om dem, från samhällets sida? Hur beskrivs de förväntningar som finns på dem i förskolans verksamhet, från vårdnadshavare och kollegor? Hur beskrivs de förväntningar som finns på dem i förskolans verksamhet, från barnens sida? Studien är kvalitativ och två verksamma manliga förskollärare från två olika förskolor intervjuas. Utifrån tidigare forskning skapas tre tabeller, som sedan blir utgångspunkt för analysen. I studiens resultat framkommer det att respondenterna upplever att det ställs andra förväntningar på dem än vad det ställs på kvinnliga förskollärare. Förväntningarna kommer från samhället, vårdnadshavare, kollegor och barnen. Bland annat upplever de föreställningar angående misstankar om att de inte anses passande för sitt yrke och att de kan förknippas med pedofili. I förskolans verksamhet förväntas männen bidra med någonting extra och skapa en annan dynamik i arbetslaget. Vad gäller barnen förväntas de manliga förskollärarna busa och leka “manliga” lekar. De ska även nå ut till pojkar och framstå som en fadersgestalt och en förebild för de barn som lever helt, eller till stor del, utan en far. Båda respondenterna anser att det är av vikt att försöka få in fler män i förskolans verksamhet.

The nurse practitioner (NP) role is more prominent now than ever before in primary healthcare, positioning them as providers who defend initiatives and ongoing health agendas. Obesity is among those agendas. The concept of instrumental role modeling was explained as a combination of understanding and physical presence that gives meaning and quality to inspire change. It implied that health professionals are not merely insightful clinicians but suggested their expertise is complimented by demonstrations of wellness in knowledge and practice. This topic of weight was perceived as sensitive but must be addressed. In this grounded theory study, the perspectives of NPs from clinical and academic settings were gathered. There was an overarching need for NPs to identify how they perceived themselves consequential to how others perceived them. Using a qualitative method gaps on the construct of instrumental role modeling as an emerging theory was addressed and revealed the ambiguities NPs encountered when challenged to identify their personal perceptions of obesity when counseling weight management. Using a grounded theory design, 11 NPs were interviewed and asked about how they reconciled perceptions of instrumental role modeling around discussions of obesity. Participant remarks produced theoretical constructs that instrumental role models: 1) are mindfully responsible when interacting with others, 2) need to balance accountability, approach and awareness to develop trust, and 3) need to be aware of the creative tensions that exist between accountability and approach when discussing illnesses and their co-morbid conditions. These findings provide evaluative dialogue for positive social change in clinical settings and valuable insight regarding the topic of obesity in academia.

This study gathered information on African American male high school students' perceptions of African American male vice principals as positive role models. Respondents were randomly selected African American male students in grades 10, 11, and 12 drawn from comprehensive high schools in the Oakland Unified School District, Oakland, California. To gather and analyze data for the study, two instruments were developed. One instrument was a questionnaire designed for African American male high school students. A second instrument was a questionnaire designed for African American male high school vice principals. In addition to the survey instruments, personal interviews were conducted with a small random sample of African American male students in an effort to gather more in-depth information than could be revealed in the survey instrument. Findings revealed that African American male students generally do not perceive African American male vice principals in their schools as role models. The primary reason given was African American males are most often cast in disciplinary roles and only “do the white man's work.” Despite this finding, African American male students feel a need for, and want, African American males vice principals in their schools. The study further revealed that these students have a strong desire to see African American male vice principals in roles other than disciplinary.

What Would The Doctor Do?  This is a question at the heart of the famous BBC science-fiction show Doctor Who led by the eponym character: the Doctor. As a fan of the show myself, a Whovian, this question matters to me as I look up to the Doctor, this hero who is described as an alien ethical guide for their human companions. Inviting other Feminist Whovians on this journey of reflection about the Whoniverse, we have attempted to unveil if this inspirational motto is shared by the feminist fandom. Concretely, we wondered in what ways can Doctor Who inspire feminist fans. Together, we have explored the feminist inspirational potential of Doctor Who, investigating how we make sense of the show as feminists. We have focused on the reboot and the last evolutions of the show, introducing a woman in the leading role after 60 years of white males. Juggling with fan theory, feminist methodology and phenomenological frameworks analyzing emotions, this study therefore explores the agency of the feminist fandom regarding the political and inspirational potential of Doctor Who. To collect the voices of other Feminist Whovians, I have experimented with the method of chat-discussions, providing an intimist space to share reflections and interpretations of the show. Collectively, we painted a three-dimensional feminist inspirational potential, connecting feminist emotions, feminist values and feminist role models. Doctor Who seems to trigger strong emotions in feminist fans which opens a bridge where values can be shared, and heroes can be admired.    This study shows that reading feminist inspirational potential into the show is rendered possible by the agency held by Feminist Whovians. The feminist fandom indeed adapts the messages of the show towards feminist interpretations, while having a critical understanding of the issues displayed on screen. Choosing specific moments and assigning them powerful meanings, Feminist Whovians are therefore both receivers and modelers of the feminist inspirational potential of Doctor Who.    Navigating this emotional journey uncovering inspirational values and relatable heroes, I have attempted to grasp the concrete influence of the show on the lives of feminist fans, immerging myself with them, with us, into our common love for Doctor Who. Together, we shaped a critical vision of what Doctor Who is and what it can mean for Feminist Whovians.   Fancy a trip?

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Syftet med denna studie är att få insikt kvinnliga slagverkslärares syn på villkor för kvinnliga slagverkselevers musicerande. Studien genomförs utifrån genusteorier och med utgångspunkt i ett socialkonstruktivistiskt perspektiv. Datamaterialet samlades in genom sex semistrukturerade kvalitativa intervjuer, varav en fungerade som pilotintervju. Intervjuerna transkriberades och därefter gjordes en tematisk analys av materialet. Resultatet visar att de intervjuade lärarna förespråkar vikten av kvinnliga förebilder och deras representation i media. Utöver kvinnor lyfts även familjemedlemmar fram som förebilder, vilka potentiellt kan ha inverkan på elevernas instrumentval och fortsatta musicerande. Enligt lärarna i föreliggande studie ställs slagverkare inför olika typer av svårigheter, vilka yttrar sig på olika vis, beroende på om de är tjejer eller killar. Prestationskrav och sociala jargonger är exempel på detta / The main purpose of this study is to examine female percussion teachers view on the challenges of being a female percussion student. The theoretical basis of the study is gender theories and social constructionism. Data was collected from six semi-structured interviews whereof one was used as a pilot interview. The interviews were transcribed and thereafter thematic analysis was used to examine the data. The results show that the female teachers all advocate the importance of female role models and the way they are depicted in the media. Family members are also highlighted as important and influential role models concerning the pupils’ choice of instrument or continued musicing. The teachers in this study are of the opinon that percussionists, depending on their gender, face different challenges. As an example, they mention performance anxiety and social tendencies.